Last week, the Lancet published a series of papers on Ultra-Processed Foods and the alleged dangers they pose. It is a complicated topic that ranges from basic physiology (do these foods really harm health) to social questions (how do ultra-processed foods and industry affect our food system).

There has obviously been a lot of media coverage – and many scientists have offered a commentary via the Science Media Centre. As can be expected from academics, opinions varied and some were more critical than others. After all, scientists are used to criticising other ideas – and to receive criticism. It is the way science (should) progress (let’s ignore the Planck principle for now).

Unfortunately, this didn’t go down well. One of the authors stated that the Lancet-series was only criticised by academics with personal or institutional links to the food industry.

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Originally published on Substack.